Shortly after I released an episode of the Blessed Hope Podcast on 2 Corinthians 5:14-6:2 entitled “God Was in Christ,” a discussion began on social media regarding the matter of “hypothetical universalism” and the question of whether or not this view is compatible with Reformed orthodoxy. The Synod of Dort said “no” to that proposal in the first refutation of errors under the second head of doctrine. So does Paul.

In 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Paul's focus falls upon what reconciliation accomplishes for God’s people. This is Paul's indicative (we are reconciled to God through the death of Jesus) to a congregation in Corinth which had tolerated false apostles who sought to undermine Paul’s apostolic authority as well as the gospel he preached.  Paul’s imperative is found in 2 Corinthians 5:20—we implore you, "be reconciled."  Paul is, in effect, saying “do not listen to such teachers.”  To a church in turmoil, Paul urged the Corinthians to stand upon the gospel which he preached to them previously so as to be at peace with God.  Why?  Today is the day of salvation (i.e., the age of salvation). This is the context for a section of my exposition of the passage, reproduced below. 

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